SRINAGAR, Jan 16: In a major enforcement operation, the Legal Metrology department, under the close oversight of Anuradha Gupta, Controller of Legal Metrology J&K, sealed 30 outlets today for selling petrol and diesel in contravention of the Legal Metrology Act of 2009.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at safeguarding consumer rights by ensuring adherence to the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules. Specially formed teams from the Legal Metrology Department conducted simultaneous inspections across seven districts in the Kashmir division, where these outlets were found to be operating unlawfully.
These inspection teams were established following a special order by the Controller of Legal Metrology, and comprehensive inspections were executed today which revealed that the illegal fuel outlets were breaching essential legal standards and regulations, such as using unverified nozzles and tampering with measuring devices.
It was noted that these fuel dispensing units lacked any authorization from either the Oil Marketing Companies or the Petroleum and Safety Organization, and the nozzles used for dispensing fuel to consumers had not been verified by the Legal Metrology Department.
Without the necessary certification and checks by the relevant authorities, the quantity of petrol or diesel consumers paid for was not guaranteed.
In response to these findings, all such dispensing units in Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla, Pulwama, Shopian, Srinagar, and Anantnag were sealed today. Legal cases against the owners or operators of these sealed petrol stations have been initiated, with proceedings under relevant sections of the Legal Metrology Act and Petroleum Rules in progress.
The order issued by the Controller of Legal Metrology J&K indicates reports of several outlets in the Kashmir Valley operating in violation of Sections 24, 12, 30, and 26 of the Legal Metrology Act 2009. These violations not only endanger consumer interests but also pose severe risks to public safety as the outlets lack required safety standards mandated by the Petroleum and Safety Organization.
Furthermore, the order states that these outlets violate terms set forth in Rule 141 of the Petroleum Rules and allied Form XIII & Article 4 therein, highlighting that this non-compliance with the Legal Metrology Act and its rules undermines transparency and consumer interests. Breaching Petroleum Rules also threatens the safe handling and storage of hazardous substances like petrol and diesel.
Anuradha Gupta emphasized that the Legal Metrology department will persist in such operations to ensure compliance and discourage future violations. She also advised consumers to procure fuel solely from authorized outlets.
Meanwhile, the department encourages consumers to be observant and report any short deliveries at fuel stations. The collaboration of consumers is crucial in combating illegal activities and ensuring a fair and safe distribution of fuel.
